It begins much higher up the hill than most of the major named canyons, and it lacks the allure of most of the other named canyons... but, if you need to get out and do something different, It is There!

It's saving grace: it is very much tree bound. You do get to walk in the shade. Unfortunately, you are walking over and around a jumble of small to medium size loose rocks... Unless you opt to hike one of the game routes or old use trails that run along either side of the canyon bottom.

There is a great game trail right next to the wash on the east side... angling up and out of the bottom immediately after you enter the mouth of the canyon at the old miner's cabin. It stays right next to the rocky drainage for quite a distance.

On the west side of the canyon an old use trail follows a bench top, running 80' to 100' above the canyon bottom, and winding around at variable distances from the drainage. This trail appears to have once carried heavy traffic, jeep... mule... horse? It winds up and around to a large hidden meadow about half mile up from the mouth of the canyon.

At this point, you might as well rejoin the canyon proper... trying to hold to the bench beyond the meadow is just not worth the effort.

Or, head west and up to top out Purgatory Peak! At just over 7,000' it is not all that far up there.

The canyon is rocky and overgrown. The portion up to the meadow is oddly similar to walking in a nice, tree lined city park... but once committed beyond the meadow you will likely find ever rougher, ever more overgrown obstacles to overcome.

You will have an easier route home: the canyon effectively ends at West Side Road. From there you can top out the second adjacent peak: Potato Knob. It lies on the eastern ridge, dividing Good and Gordon Canyon. Might as well top it out (7880').

You will have water at the mouth of the canyon... it runs year round along that section of Alamo Canyon. It will have to be treated!!!

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

Permit $$

None

Directions

Map Drive

or

Road

Connector trail - Not Applicable

To canyon tripThis canyon connects in Alamo Canyon at the old miner's cabin, above the mine, just off Trail 104. At the cabin ruins, Walk to the left of the big rock, down into the drainage, across the muddy flow. Do not turn sharply to your left; that would take you up Alamo Canyon, soon to connect with Gordon Canyon. Pick your routes... the bench route on the right is the more difficult to find!